Free Willy Diving, Inc

Situated directly on the sands of White Beach at Station 1, Free Willy Diving has been a fixture of the Boracay diving scene for over 27 years. This long-standing presence in the Philippines means the team has an intimate understanding of the local waters and the specific topography of the surrounding reefs.

The centre operates as a PADI 5-Star facility, catering to a wide spectrum of divers. Whether you are looking for the gentle conditions of a shallow reef flat or the more technical challenges of a wall or wreck, the team matches your certification level to the appropriate site to ensure a safe and controlled experience.

The team at Free Willy Diving is built on nearly three decades of local expertise. Their approach focuses on matching divers with the specific sites that suit their current skill level, ensuring that every dive—from your first encounter with buoyancy to advanced explorations—is handled with professional oversight.

For those new to the water, the centre runs structured introductory programmes. The Discover Scuba programme includes a video introduction, a personal briefing from an instructor, and a 5–10 minute confined water session to build confidence before heading out to the coral reefs. They also cater to younger divers aged 8–9 through the Bubble Maker programme, which is conducted in shallow water with a maximum depth of 2 metres.

As a PADI 5-Star centre, Free Willy Diving offers a full range of training programmes. Beginners can start with the Discover Scuba programme or the Bubble Maker programme for children.

For those looking to progress through their certifications, the centre provides the standard progression of courses, allowing you to build your skills from entry-level through to more advanced diving.

The reefs around Boracay are home to a vibrant community of tropical reef fish. You will regularly encounter schools of sergeant majors, damselfish (Pomacentridae), and anthias (Anthias), alongside colourful butterflyfish (Chaetodon) and angelfish (Pomacanthidae). Larger residents such as groupers (Epinephelus), snappers, and various species of wrasse (Labridae) are also common sightings.

The hard coral architecture provides a complex habitat for a variety of life. You can explore large coral heads, giant plate corals, and staghorn coral, interspersed with soft corals (Alcyonacea) and sea fans (Gorgoniidae). These structures are often accompanied by barrel sponges and various types of stony corals (Scleractinia) and hard corals (Scleractinia).

For those with an eye for macro life, the area offers significant interest. Keep a lookout for nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), and various species of shrimp (Caridea). You may also find octopus (Octopus vulgaris), cuttlefish (Sepiidae), and different types of pipefish hiding within the reef structure.

Pelagic sightings and larger species add to the diversity of the local waters. It is possible to encounter turtles (Cheloniidae), rays (Batoidea), and various sharks, including whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus). Schools of jacks (Carangidae), tuna (Thunnus), and barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) frequently pass through the area.